First Nations

As outlined in our Aboriginal Policy, our Company is committed to providing opportunities and developing mutually beneficial relationships with the First Nations communities and offer employment, training, and supplier opportunities.

Our Commitment in Practice

Williams Lake Indian Band

In April 2013, Taseko and Williams Lake Indian Band (WLIB) signed a Participation and Cooperation Agreement between Gibraltar Mine and Williams Lake Indian Band (WLIB).

The Agreement involves environmental management, training, employment and contracting along with other economic benefits involving the mine and aims to enhance understanding, communication and cooperation with the WLIB. The Agreement includes the establishment of an implementation committee, community engagement, education and training initiatives and economic development initiatives.

A signing ceremony was held April 10, 2013 on the Sugarcane Reserve near Williams Lake.

“At Taseko, we create opportunities for ourselves and, in doing so, we generate opportunities for others - our employees, our community and First Nations,” Russell Hallbauer, Taseko President and CEO said at the signing ceremony. “This agreement reflects our vision of open and mutually beneficial relationships and commitment to work together to generate collective potential.”

Chief Louie said the Williams Lake Indian Band’s approach, where possible, is to work with industry to build relationships and partnerships. “Currently the WLIB has some community members employed at the mine site and hopes that this partnership will grow in a positive manner. We are pleased to achieve this agreement that will benefit both partners and look forward to a positive relationship and partnership with Gibraltar,” she said.

In May 2012, the Company announced an agreement with the Tsay Keh Dene to support the exploration program and environmental studies for the development of the Aley Niobium Project in northeastern British Columbia.

As a part of the BC Environmental Assessment Process, Taseko has been consulting with Aboriginal Groups including the Tsay Key Dene regarding the Aley Project. We will continue to consult and engage with these groups as necessary through the EA process.

Soda Creek Indian Band

In July 2015, Taseko announced that a Participation and Cooperation Agreement was finalized between the Gibraltar Mine and the Soda Creek Indian Band (“Xat’sull”). The agreement reflects a commitment by the Parties to work together productively and harmoniously, in the spirit of good faith and cooperation.

Russell Hallbauer, President and CEO of Taseko, commented, “Formalizing the relationship with the Xat’sull First Nation is a positive step forward with our First Nations neighbour. It demonstrates the mutual respect of both Parties and recognizes the contributions that each make, with their communities and the region. This agreement, along with the revenue sharing agreement with British Columbia from the mineral tax generated by Gibraltar, is ensuring the approximate 400 community members participate economically in the ongoing operational and financial success of Gibraltar.”

Donna Dixon, Xat’sull Chief, stated, “We are pleased to formalize a relationship with Taseko regarding the Gibraltar Mine. This agreement provides us with capacity and a forum to directly engage with the mine on environmental and economic issues. It also provides valuable support for community development and educational initiatives for our members.”

Xat’sull First Nations reclamation crew

In the Summer of 2012, an extensive reclamation program was completed at Gibraltar with the help of the Xat’sull First Nations reclamation crew, providing summer employment and work experience for local First Nations.

The Gibraltar team, with the help of the Xat’sull First Nations, was recognized for these large-scale reclamation projects and progressive reclamation research trials by the British Columbia Technical and Research Committee on Reclamation (“TRCR”) with the award for Metal Mine Reclamation.